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Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

His critic was blunt, no matter how high or low it made Hibbert. He had to tune out that critic -- himself -- because the constant emotional roller-coaster ride affected his production on the court too much.

At the same time, Hibbert started relaxation exercises to help ease his mind.

That, along with 15 pounds of added muscle, have made Hibbert almost a regular in the double-double department in points and rebounds for the Pacers (7-3) this season. He's tied for fourth in the league in double-doubles with six.

Hibbert heads into tonight's game at Toronto averaging 14.1 points and 9.9 rebounds.

"I've been doing, as crazy as it might sound, a lot of relaxation exercises to try and change my temperament," Hibbert said. "Sometimes I tend to spaz out on the court. This time I'm letting things go and I'm trying to play more focused."

The Pacers have until Jan. 25 to offer Hibbert a contract extension. He will be a restricted free agent if the sides don't agree to a deal by then. Pacers president Larry Bird said earlier this week the team has not begun talking about a new deal with Hibbert.

In the past, it was easy to tell how Hibbert was playing in a game by simply looking at his body language on the court. He played well when he was energetic, scored in the post, blocked shots or pointed up to his Area55 fan section at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Things weren't going his way when his energy level was low or he sulked on the bench.

Now, Hibbert's doing his best to try to maintain a middle ground no matter the situation.

"He's getting older, more mature, he's comfortable in his role, and he knows the ups and downs are not going to change his role," coach Frank Vogel said. "I think because of that, you can react to that less."

Hibbert enjoys having David West and Tyler Hansbrough play alongside him at power forward because he knows they also can score in the post.

Hibbert spent his first three years as the sole inside presence for the Pacers. They were an easy team to defend, relying primarily on jump shots.

"It helps having Tyler and D West being very active in the post because it leaves me one-on-one opportunities for offensive rebounds," Hibbert said. "And this year I've been set up a lot better in terms of where I want the ball in the post, and our spacing is a lot better."

Hibbert is getting deeper position in the post because his lower body is stronger after an offseason of strength training. He was squatting between 475 and 500 pounds.

Hibbert also does a 20-minute full-body workout with Shawn Windle, the team's strength and conditioning coach, after every home game.

"The emphasis is on legs because with such a compressed schedule it gives him the best opportunity to recover," Windle said. "So that next day when it's just a practice day, we don't do a hard workout. . . . It affects his ability to recover because the games are coming so fast."

The added strength is helping Hibbert shoot a career high from the field (54.5 percent). He isn't getting knocked off the box down low as easily as in the past, and he can launch his hook shot with either hand.

"I think I know how to position myself better," he said. "After four years, I should be able to learn something."

I think a lot of us on PD (myself included) might follow Roy's lead on trying relaxation techniques

Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

Hibbert also does a 20-minute full-body workout with Shawn Windle, the team's strength and conditioning coach, after every home game.

"The emphasis is on legs because with such a compressed schedule it gives him the best opportunity to recover," Windle said. "So that next day when it's just a practice day, we don't do a hard workout. . . . It affects his ability to recover because the games are coming so fast."

20 min workout AFTER a game? That's intense! Is this a normal thing for athletes, I've never heard of that. I imagine he's gotta be exhausted after a game.

Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

Hey Thingfish, the picture of your avatar, who is he? I have to watch a history channel show with him. Do you have a link?

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Lol that's george tsoukalos (sp?) the host of ancient aliens. He's easy to watch because he understands just how crazy some of his theories may be and makes it clear that he's simply offering possibilities for impossible to explain anomalies.

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Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

I'm not trying to take any credit, because it all belongs to Roy, but I'm glad my idea from the off season came true. I said I didn't know if Hibbert's legs were too long to do squats and lunges safely, but obviously they were. I emphasized them as the most important exercises for a basketball player because when I started doing them my junior year I went from being able to barely dunk to be able to slam them down. And I was a 6 foot white boy that wasn't supposed to be able to jump haha.

Hibbert can squat 500 pounds? No wonder the dude is looking like a shoe-in thus far for the coaches pick for the All Star game. I'm really glad he was thinking on the same wave length as me this summer. He is like a big brother to me that I've never even met. He just has such a loveable personality and demeanor. Guys like Roy are the types that help diminish the racial barriers in this country. He is the perfect role model for any child. He isn't tatted from head to toe living some thug life fantasy. He is someone the suburban kids and the kids in the ghetto can both look up to as a positive role model.

A 4 year graduate at Georgetown too, so you know the guy is intellectual. He is just such a fresh breathe of air from the Harrington/Jackson/Tinsley/Artest types that used to dominate this team. I would never want my kids to look up to those guys, but to Roy and several other players currently on our roster I would.

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Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

Has anyone else noticed how good Roy has become with his left hand? He hits that drop-step baby hook into the lane equally well from either side now. His left was always pretty effective, but it seems to have improved even more this season...

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Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

"The Pacers have until Jan. 25 to offer Hibbert a contract extension. He will be a restricted free agent if the sides don't agree to a deal by then. Pacers president Larry Bird said earlier this week the team has not begun talking about a new deal with Hibbert."

I found it interesting that the Pacers have not talked to Hibbert about an extension. Apparently they are content to go to free agency and feel that is their best strategy.

Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

"The Pacers have until Jan. 25 to offer Hibbert a contract extension. He will be a restricted free agent if the sides don't agree to a deal by then. Pacers president Larry Bird said earlier this week the team has not begun talking about a new deal with Hibbert."

I found it interesting that the Pacers have not talked to Hibbert about an extension. Apparently they are content to go to free agency and feel that is their best strategy.

We still have 12 days to get a deal done. I would bet the front office already know what they want to give him. Why distract him? Give him an offer on the 24th he can't refuse and be on our way. No reason to give it to him today when anything could still happen.

Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

Not getting this. They can only extend him for 4 years, so why would he not refuse it and go for the 5 year contract he can get if he goes to RFA status? I mean, yeah, I think the Pacers better offer something just so they don't get the whole "disrespected" garbage going, but I don't expect him to take it at this point.

The only "[offer] he can't refuse" would be "take the extension or we break your kneecaps".

BillS

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Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

Not getting this. They can only extend him for 4 years, so why would he not refuse it and go for the 5 year contract he can get if he goes to RFA status? I mean, yeah, I think the Pacers better offer something just so they don't get the whole "disrespected" garbage going, but I don't expect him to take it at this point.

The only "[offer] he can't refuse" would be "take the extension or we break your kneecaps".

Are you sure about this? I thought, considering we hold his Bird rights, that we were the only team that could offer 5 years? We can't offer him a 5 year contract right now?

I thought the rule about extensions only applied to trades? IE: extend and trades?

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Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

Dennis Rodman used to do 1 hour on the stair climber after every game. 1 freaking hour. Do you have any idea how in shape you have to be to do 20 min on a stair climber without playing an NBA game?

That dude had crazy energy/drive. And I mean that in the best way possible.

"Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better." - Albert Camus

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Voltaire"Everyone's values are defined by what they will tolerate when it is done to others." - William Greider

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Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

I love the fact the Hibbert is this serious about improving his game. It makes me feel like he will continue to improve and that a potential max contract wouldn't be a waste. I think we should extend Hibbert now only if it's going to save the team money. Since he's restricted, he's basically ours no matter what because we're going to match any offer he gets. If it takes a max contract to keep Hibbert then I don't see any reason for either side to be in a hurry to extend him. We might as well wait until the offseason so he can be signed for the additional year. I hope he can be extended now so the team can save a few bucks for other pieces.

Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

I love the fact the Hibbert is this serious about improving his game. It makes me feel like he will continue to improve and that a potential max contract wouldn't be a waste. I think we should extend Hibbert now only if it's going to save the team money. Since he's restricted, he's basically ours no matter what because we're going to match any offer he gets. If it takes a max contract to keep Hibbert then I don't see any reason for either side to be in a hurry to extend him. We might as well wait until the offseason so he can be signed for the additional year. I hope he can be extended now so the team can save a few bucks for other pieces.

Re: Hibbert's new mind-set, added strength reshape his game

I'd like to get him for that. But a guy over 7 feet tall who can make an impact on offense and defense? In a league where big men get PAID?
It's not at all crazy to think he will get more than 10-12 million per year. Some team that doesn't share our owners views about restricted free agents may very well offer him a lot of money. I hope (and so far think that it's realistic to expect) to secure his services at 14-15 million per year.

"Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better." - Albert Camus

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Voltaire"Everyone's values are defined by what they will tolerate when it is done to others." - William Greider